5 cloves garlic

1 medium white or yellow onion

2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

6 sprigs fresh basil

1 dried bay leaf

1 pound dried orecchiette pasta

3 tablespoons salted or unsalted butter

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

3 slices white sandwich bread

1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk

6 cloves garlic

1/2 medium bunch fresh parsley

2 ounces Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (1 cup firmly packed freshly grated or 2/3 cup store-bought grated)

1 pound ground beef

1 pound ground pork

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 cup canola or vegetable or grapeseed oil for frying